Man booked for rape bid on schoolgirl

A man allegedly attempted to rape a 14-year-old girl on April 1 in Katyapadavu in Bantwal taluk. She alleged that her neighbour, who barged into her house, molested her. It was only after the matter reached the ears of Childline that a complaint was registered with the Punjalkatte police on Tuesday night.

According to the police, around 11.30 a.m. on April 1, the girl, a Class 8 student in a government school, was alone in the house when Vasantha Gowda, a marginal farmer in the village, asked her for some water. The girl’s parents, who are daily-wage workers, were at work at that time.

The accused is alleged to have forced him on her, molested her, and fearing that her screams may attract villagers, he backed off, said the complaint. However, he threatened to kill her if she speaks of the incident.

Petrified, the girl kept the matter to herself until her parents informed a social worker of her behavioural changes, said Childline. On inquiry, the girl revealed the facts, and the complaint was registered on April 9.

The police said Vasantha Gowda absconded on hearing that a case was being filed. He is yet to be arrested.